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5/4/09
Phil Cardella Armbars Johnny Flores at Shark Fight

Shark Fight 4 Saturday night in Lubbock, Texas is where Relson Gracie Black Belt Phil Cardella represented big time with an impressive win by armbar over Johnny Flores in round 1. There is talk of Phil returning to the WEC in August. Congratulations Phil and hope to see you in the WEC soon!

I posted the above on the Relson facebook page.

DON FRYE, JESSE TAYLOR WIN AT SHARK FIGHT 4

Regional MMA was on display Saturday night in the “South Plains” of West Texas when “Shark Fights 4,” the fourth installment from the upstart organization based out of Amarillo, Texas, came together inside Lubbock’s Citibank Coliseum. The event did not disappoint as the crowd got to witness eight of the nine fights end in a finish.

In the main event, Lubbock’s own Rex Richards and Darill Schoonover fought a frenetic back-and-forth fight with action taking place on the feet and on the ground. Richards attempted numerous submissions and landed some solid shots, but he couldn’t put away the scrappy Schoonover who ran his MMA record to a perfect 14-0.

In the fourth round Schoonover found the opening he needed, landing a clean combination. The punches dropped a visibly tired Richards and Schoonover promptly followed his opponent to the ground where he finished the fight with his ground and pound attack.

“That was a hell of a fight,” Shoonover said in his post fight interview. “He was yelling at me, trying to intimidate me. So I yelled right back and said ‘lets do this.’ I feel like I won the first and second round, but in the third round he started kickin’ my butt. I really wanted to finish this fight and I knew he was tired. In the fourth round, I caught him with the hook and then the right. He went down, I got on top of him, and went crazy from there looking to finish the fight. I am the champion and this means a lot to me.”

In the co-main event, Jesse Taylor wasted little time finishing off crowd favorite Eric Davilla. Taylor put on a textbook performance, forcing Davilla to give up his back within the first minute. Davilla made Taylor wait another minute before the inevitable rear naked choke was applied.

Taylor looked to be in phenomenal shape and one has to think he’s just a fight or two away from getting called up by Strikeforce or back to the UFC.

“I was actually surprised how fast I finished this fight. I threw the pressure on him right away and I don’t think he was ready for me to take him down,” said Taylor. “Textbook was the perfect way to describe the performance for me. I am just going to keep plugging away and I would love to fight for Strikeforce or the UFC when they have me. I would love to come back to Texas (even though they were hating on me) and fight for a Middleweight belt when they create one. Their belts are as good as the ones in the UFC.”

In a fight that sent the crowd into a frenzy, Don Frye and Rich Moss engaged in a classic staredown. Moss got in Frye’s face, something Frye didn’t take too kindly to. The referee had to step in and make sure these two waited for the bell to sound.

The fight started out with the two pressed up against the cage. An accidental low blow by Moss sent Frye to his knees before action resumed.

The fight went back against the cage and then in a sudden burst of textbook judo, Rich Moss applied a perfect throw only to have Frye ready and waiting. Moss’s judo throw was countered perfectly, with Frye transitioning into a gift-wrapped rear naked choke. After the fight was stopped, Moss and Frye exchanged more words only to have them hugging it out after Frye’s hand was raised in victory.

When asked about the pre-fight machismo by Moss, Frye said, “Some jackass in Japan started that crap with me about five years ago and ever since then, everyone feels the need to put their nose against my nose. I am getting pretty tired of it and I might have to start punching people when it happens. As far as Moss, he is a great judo practitioner so I am going to be a man and fight him in a straight judo match next. I will put my pajamas on and meet him in a tournament somewhere.”

In regards to his MMA future, Frye said he would like to go back to Japan and fight for his fans over there. He quipped that he liked the look of the Shark Fights belt and may have to take it away from the young Schoonever.
“I would love to come back to West Texas and fight again,” he continued. “The crowed showed me a lot of enthusiasm, which was great to see. My energy was sky high.”

In the other two main event fights, Cardella and Wallburger put on performances that made MMA look easy. They both secured submissions over their respective opponents with relative ease. Their futures look bright, with Wallburger winning Shark Fights Welterweight title.
In jest, an enthusiastic Wallburger called out UFC Welterweight champion George St. Pierre. For Cardella, he informed us a return trip to the WEC lightweight division is likely in August of 2009. He went on to say he would love to continue to fight for Shark Fights and compete for a lightweight title once one is created.

Overall the event was a success for Shark Fights. Given that it is the upstart organization’s fourth event, the future looks bright.

Special guest appearences by WEC feathweright Leonard Garcia, WEC Lightweight Donalde Cerrone, UFC lightweight Joe “Daddy” Stevenson, Strikeforce Welterweight Joe Riggs, and Affliction Heavyweight Paul Buentello went over very well with the crowd.

Paul Buentello, who hails from Amarillo, told the crowd he planned on competing on a future Shark Fights card. Perhaps a heavyweight match between Don Frye and Paul Buentello would be something the fans could get excited about.

While a success, the night was not perfect for Shark Fights.

The event fell victim to technology problems with the Internet connection being spotty throughout. This caused issues for the PPV show which was streaming live on the Shark Fights website.

While the problem does not fall squarely on the shoulders of Shark Fights (more on the Internet provider), it is still something Shark Fights will take responsibility for with the fans who purchased the event.

Shark Fights 4 Full Results:
Main Card:
-Darill Schoonover def. Rex Richards via TKO in R4
-Jesse Taylor def. Eric Davilla via rear naked choke in R1
-Don Frye def. Rich Moss via rear naked choke in R1
-Phil Cardella def. Johnny Flores via armbar in R1
-TJ Wallburger def. Shannon Ritch via armbar in R1
Undercard:
-Rolando Scott def. Zach Haney via TKO in R1
-Douglas Frey def. Louis Luna via KO in R1
-Jessica Miramontes def. Brandi Hainey via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3)
-Josh Shephard def. Aaron Garcia via TKO in R1

2/25/09
Nissen Osterneck Takes On Jorge Rivera
on UFC Fight Night 18


UFC FIGHT NIGHT 18 FIGHT CARD RELEASED

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has firmed up the final fight card for its debut trip to Nashville, Tenn., which takes place on April 1. As was previously announced, WEC welterweight champion Carlos Condit moves in to face Martin Kampmann in the main event of UFC Fight Night 18.

Condit had originally been scheduled to rematch Brock Larson at this weekend's WEC 39 event in Corpus Christi, Texas. Following a sprain to his wrist, Condit was unable to maintain a training schedule to keep him on track for WEC 39. Zuffa – the UFC and WEC's parent company – had been considering a consolidation of the two promotions' welterweights anyway, thus they decided to take this unexpected opportunity to make the move.

Facing Kampmann in his first UFC bout is no easy task for Condit. Kampmann has a strong skill-set that includes an equal mix of ability in both striking and submissions. That matches up well against Condit, who is also a well-rounded fighter.

The rest of the main card – to be televised live on Spike TV – is loaded primarily with veterans of The Ultimate Fighter reality series, which also airs on Spike. Season 8 champions Efrain Escudero and Ryan Bader lead The Ultimate Fighter charge, along with the season's "bad boy," Junie Browning.

UFC Fight Night 18 Main Card Bouts:
-Carlos Condit (#8 Welterweight in the World)* vs. Martin Kampmann
-Efrain Escudero vs. Jeremy Stephens
-Ryan Bader vs. Carmelo Marrero
-Cole Miller vs. Junie Browning

UFC Fight Night 18 Preliminary Bouts:
-Tyson Griffin vs. Rafael dos Anjos
-Ricardo Almeida vs. Matt Horwich
-Brock Larson vs. Jesse Sanders
-Jorge Rivera vs. Nissen Osterneck
-Rob Kimmons vs. Joe Vedepo
-Aaron Simpson vs. Tim McKenzie
-Steve Steinbeiss vs. Ryan Jensen

Source: MMA Weekly

1/29/09
World Master Helio Gracie has passed away

Jiu-Jitsu loses its icon

It is with great sadness that GRACIEMAG.com announces the passing of Grandmaster Helio Gracie. At 95 years of age, the great icon and one of those most responsible for Jiu-Jitsu’s success in Brazil and the world died this morning, at home, in the district of Itaipava, in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro.

“I created a flag from the sport’s dignity. I oversee the name of my family with affection and nerves of blood,” said the Professor, as his last worlds.

No greater details have been released on his burial.

Helio Gracie’s last public appearance occurred in December of last year, during a belt-promotion ceremony held by Gracie Humaita at the Guanabara Yacht Club.

In October, Helio Gracie celebrated his 95th birthday at the Gracie Humaita academy, in Rio de Janeiro.

In one of his most famous interviews, published in the special 100th issue of GRACIEMAG, the professor had declared: “I’ve already told my sons that when I die I want there to be a party. No drinking, no debauchery.”

All workers at Gracie Publishing, the company responsible for GRACIEMAG, NOCAUTE and GRACIEMAG.com are in mourning and express their condolences and sadness to the bereaved family, his wife Vera, sons Rorion, Relson, Rickson, Rolker, Royler, Royce, Rherica, Robin and Ricci.

Source: Gracie Magazine

Master Hélio Gracie has passed away
By Guilherme Cruz

It’s with great sadness that TATAME.com informs that great Master Hélio Gracie, the creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu along his brother Carlos Gracie, who had completed 95 years old in 2008, has passed away this morning in his house at Itaipava, Rio de Janeiro. Father of some of the best fighters in the Jiu-Jitsu and MMA history, like Rickson, Rorion, Royce, Rolker and Relson, Hélio’s funeral will be today, at 5p.m., at Petrópolis’ cemetery. Stay tuned in TATAME, we will bring more news as soon as available.

Source: Tatame

1/27/09
Relson GJJ Austin Association Head Instructor
Phil Cardella Makes His WEC Debut!

WEC Announces Big Event For March 1

World Extreme Cagefighting 39 is set for the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX for a double championship event. Five televised bouts and six undercard bouts are featured alongside one another with two championship belts on the line. WEC Featherweight Champion Mike Brown makes his first title defense against Leonard Garcia in what could be a show stealer.

The full card listed below:

TELEVISED BOUTS
Champ Mike Brown vs. Leonard Garcia (for featherweight belt)
Champ Carlos Condit vs. Brock Larson (for welterweight belt)
Richard Crunkilton vs. Bart Palaszewski'
Marcus Hicks vs. Rob McCullough
Johny Hendricks vs. Alex Serdyukov

PRELIMINARY BOUTS
Marcos Galvao vs. Damacio Page
Mike Budnik vs. John Franchi
Justin Haskins vs. Douglas Lima
Alex Karalexis vs. Greg McIntyre
Phil Cardella vs. Danny Castillo
Kenji Osawa vs. Rafael Rebello

1/25/09
O2 Martial Arts Academy is Relson Gracie Hawaii Association Picnic Volleyball Champs!

A great day of fun was had by most of the Relson Gracie schools and the Queen Street academy, Team Papakolea Jiu-Jitsu, Kaneohe Team and O2MMA attended and brought their teams for a fun tournament and a ton of great food. It was great to see members of each academy mingle and catch up with all the kids running around.

1/24/09

1st Relson Gracie Hawaii Association Picnic

We want to build team unity amongst the Relson Gracie team and what better way than to relax amongst friends and family, eat some good food, play some games and just hang out with everyone from all of the academies! Bring your academy banners if you have a way to hang them so everyone can find the area, which will be impossible to miss.

Here are the specifics:

When: Saturday, January 24, 2009

Time: 8:00AM to 6:00PM

Where: Ala Moana Beach Park, Site #27 (Ewa side of park, on the boat harbor side)

Who is invited: All Relson Gracie students and your families.

RSVP: To your academy's instructor via email or phone.
What to bring: This will be a potluck so let your academy's instructor know what you plan on bringing so we can try to not duplicate too many dishes. You don't have to go hog wild with stuff and spend too much money. If you bring the equivalent of a $10 dish or so, we will have a ton of food. We want this to be an inexpensive, fun time to share with the team and our families.

- Please feel free to bring tents, tables, mats to sit on.
- Please also bring your own beverages.

Featured Events!
Academy Team Volleyball Contest with Trophy - Each academy is encouraged to create a volleyball team of members only (active academy student), no ringers or guests to compete against each other to win a trophy with a plate on it that says 1/24/09 Volleyball Champs to be kept at their academy for bragging rights until the next picnic.

Kids Games - We will have various games for the kids.

As always, we welcome all the help that you can provide! Please RSVP as soon as possible by email or phone with who is coming and if you are bringing your kids to your academy's instructor. Each academy will coordinate their attendees.

1/23/09

Something to grapple with
by Lorraine Gennaro

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu proved a positive path for two brothers who have since earned black belts and won world championships.

Early in the regular season, Eagles offensive lineman Tra Thomas texted Rick Migliarese in the middle of the night and asked if he had caught a particular move of his during a game. Having not seen it — by his own admission, “when most people are home watching the game, I’m in the gym” — Migliarese told the athlete he missed it. As it turned out, Thomas executed a Brazilian jiu-jitsu move on an opposing player that Migliarese had shown him.

“He was excited that he actually did that,” the jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts instructor and world-champion fighter said of his pupil. “He’s actually a really good student. He’s dedicated.”

Migliarese, after struggling to find his path, is more than familiar with dedication. The three-time Gracie Jiu-Jitsu world championship medal-winner and two-time Pan American World champ has been honing his craft and teaching it to others for more than a decade.

“My love for jiu-jitsu I want to pass on to everybody else,” the co-founder, with older brother Phil, of Balance Studios, 109 Bonsall St., said. “Jiu-jitsu is a lifestyle. You can take aspects and relate to real life like the positive thinking it takes to beat an opponent. It’s a lot like chess. There’s always a counter to a counter to a countermove.”

A popular Zen proverb reads, “when the pupil is ready the teacher will appear.” For Migliarese, that teacher was Phil, now 33, who introduced him to jiu-jitsu when the two were teens.

Born and raised in Queen Village at Second and Monroe streets, the siblings were separated when their parents split when Migliarese was about 9. He stayed with mother Joyce, attending nearby Meredith Elementary School, 725 S. Fifth St., while Phil moved to the Lawrenceville, N.J., home of his maternal grandmother. Sister Yvonne, 40, is married to former Eagles player Louie Giammona, nephew of legendary Birds coach Dick Vermeil. The two moved to Northern Liberties around the time the brothers did in August; prior to that, Rick had been living at Second and Manton streets in a home in which his mother still resides — Joyce and he relocating there when he was a teen.


While attending Meredith, Migliarese became a bit of a problem through default, forced to defend himself when kids started picking on him, he recalled. By age 7 or 8, Migliarese had all he was going to take.

“I was fighting back. I didn’t want to be an easy target anymore,” he said.

At 13, around the same time he and his cronies were boxing for kicks at the gym at 10th and Carpenter streets, he got into a fight outside the ring, punching the boy in the face, knocking him into a car and eventually sending him to the ground.

“I hurt him real bad. Knocked him out. I thought I had killed him. That scared the crap out of me. At the same time, my brother was nagging me to come over and check out jiu-jitsu,” Migliarese said.

With several years of karate under his belt and having discovered yoga by age 13, Phil began studying Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, a style developed by the Gracie family that emphasizes self-defense and ground fighting over competition, at Maxercise Training Academy & Fitness Club in Center City, which was owned by a family friend. Relson Gracie, a third-generation Gracie schooled in the original Japanese style of jiu-jitsu, would come to Maxercise from his native Hawaii to teach seminars a few times a year with Phil, who currently holds a black belt in jiu-jitsu, and Rick honing their methods directly from the source.

Impressed with the doctors, lawyers and caliber of “positive people in the gym,” Migliarese began his instruction in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, which is also known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a focus on grappling and ground fighting, and a few months in won his first bout in class.

“I think that day was my turning point. Every day and night I was in the gym learning jiu-jitsu. I realized this is what I wanted to do. At that young age, at that crossroads of my life, you can either go this way or this way,” he said gesturing in different directions.

In ’99, Migliarese won the first of three world championship medals in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu — classes, training and competitions paying off. In 2005, he earned black belt certification.

Four years earlier, the brothers decided to pass along all they had gotten out of jiu-jitsu. Now, in addition to Thomas, who studies privately, 340 men and women of all ages train at Balance Studios where Thai boxing, submission grappling and various types of yoga are offered, including ViraMukti Yoga (yoga for fighters) that was founded and is taught by Phil, and Ashtanga Yoga, taught by Migliarese. Aside from the Center City location, the brothers have more than 20 Balance Studio affiliates in the tri-state area, as well as one in Aruba and Dublin.

The dream of giving others what they got out of the martial arts form seemed not likely to pass as, a mere week after being certified in ’05, Migliarese tore his posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his left knee. The fighter credits his brother’s yoga mastery and physical therapy after surgeries to getting him back in shape.


Still in recovery mode last February, it was almost like “Rocky IV” when East met West and Migliarese went to Brooklyn’s Little Russia to fight Russian Sambo world champ Givi Shubitidze. The style of fighting was developed in the Soviet Union and is a combination of combat sport and self-defense. As an instructor, Migliarese accompanied about six students who took part in a Sambo tournament. Not scheduled to fight the champ, the Americans and Russians were tied so Migliarese’s pupils coaxed him into getting in the ring. Their bout lasted mere minutes, with Shubitidze taking Migliarese to the ground before the latter showed him a thing or two by getting up and taking him down.

“He didn’t tap. He started yelling. That’s when I won. The crowd went nuts,” Migliarese said, adding tapping is a signal for an opponent to release pressure. “It was like, ‘Italian kid from South Philly fights Russian.’ It was like a real live Rocky Balboa.”

Source: South Philly Review

1/20/09

Big Promotion Ceremony at O2 Martial Arts Academy
on Feb 4th!


All Relson Gracie students are welcome to come to the ceremony at 8PM.

O2 Martial Arts Academy
Chris Onzuka / Michael Onzuka
98-019 Kamehameha Hwy, #208A, Aiea, HI 96701
(808) 484-2324
o2maa@relsongracie.com

www.o2martialartsacademy.com

1/17/09

Steve Hordinski Gets His Black Belt!

Congratulations to the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Colorado Academy's head instructor and former Hawaii resident Steve Hordinski, who just received his black belt from Relson this weekend.

1/16/09

Jeff Hammond Becomes Ring Rulers 145lb MMA Champ!

Congratulations to Jeff Hammond of Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for winning the Ring Rulers 145lb MMA Championship by Unanimous decision.

Source: Drew Arthur (RGJJ Tyler, TX)

Tyler's Jeff Hammond Fighting For Mixed Martial Arts Title
By CHRIS PARRY
Staff Writer

TITLE BOUT: Jeff Hammond, a 24-year-old mixed martial arts fighter, competes for the 155-pound title Saturday in Shreveport, La.

The bell sounds and both fighters square off in the center of the ring. One quickly sticks a couple jabs and prepares to land a punch to the body.

But before he's able to complete the action, the other fighter rushes at him and drives him into the corner, then lifts his stunned opponent and suplexes him over his back.

Now both fighters are on the ground, grappling with each other until our hero gets his legs around the other guy in a choke hold, forcing his opponent to give up.

Clearly, this is not Ali vs. Frazier.

It's a mixed martial arts bout and the hero of our story is 24-year old Jeff Hammond from Tyler, an amateur in the sport of MMA who defeated Chad Fullmer, another amateur from Conway, Ark., in a fight earlier this year.

Hammond accomplished this in 22 seconds.

"I knew he was a boxer, so our game plan was to wait for him to throw a punch, and just rush him," Hammond said. "I grabbed him and had him in a good position, so I suplexed him. My arm was in a perfect position and I went for a guillotine (choke) and tapped him out."

MMA is a full-contact sport that enables fighters to use many different styles. From martial arts to wrestling, the rules allow for striking and grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground.

Hammond has a 5-2 record in his brief MMA amateur career and will now step into the ring for his first title bout. He is scheduled to fight later today at Shreveport Municipal Auditorium against Tony Kelly (4-2-1) for the World ICF Lightweight Championship.

"Most people think that it's just thugs coming in there and throwing punches, but to actually be good at it and get a title shot, you have to come in and put in the time like an athlete," said Hammond, a University of Texas graduate, who is also a commissioned peace officer.

"If you have a big ego in this sport, you are probably not going to last. Fans get their favorites, and it's usually the nice guys. They hate the guys who are punks and make the sport look bad."

Hammond fights out of Lone Star Mixed Martial Arts Gym in Tyler. Drew Arthur, owner and coach of Lone Star Gym, lists its mission statement on its website.

"We are a Christian-based martial arts facility. Our ultimate goal is to glorify God by providing a friendly, family-oriented martial art, workout/fitness facility to the community."

Arthur said Hammond is the perfect example of what Lone Star MMA gym is all about.

"I find out when fighters believe in God that means they believe in more than just themselves. With a lot of fighters, they only believe in themselves and their accomplishments," Arthur said. "Jeff is a real, super quiet guy, who is well-spoken when he does speak. He has a really good heart and has been a real asset to the gym."

Jeff is one of 10 competitive MMA fighters from Lone Star Gym. Along with Arthur, whose expertise is Jiu-Jitsu, the gym also has coach Gerald MeHarry, an expert in valetudo (Brazilian MMA), coach Hector Guevara, a former professional kickboxer, and coach Aaron Stregle, an MMA coach, who Arthur said has been doing Judo since he was four.

Hammond said the way he acts in and out of the ring is just as important as his result. This is not only for him, but also as an ambassador of sorts for MMA, a sport which continues to carry a negative stigma as it battles for viewers with traditional boxing.

"I don't trash talk; the only thing I do is maybe a little stare-down before the fight, but after the fight, I am your best friend," Hammond said. "To be respected by the masses, we need to get that 'thug' aspect out of the sport."

The biggest difference between professional MMA and professional boxing is in a word, money. Hammond wants to turn pro next year, where he can make $300 a fight.

"Forest Griffin and Rampage Jackson fought in UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) for light heavyweight championship and they made $250,000 a piece, where as a boxer (in a title bout) might make $20 million."

Before Hammond's professional career, he needs to gain his first amateur title belt, which means winning tonight's bout against Kelly.

"I've seen him fight twice and he's pretty much a brawler," Hammond said. "Unless he catches me with a wild punch, I don't see him beating me. My all-around game is just better."

Notes: Those interested in mixed martial arts, judo, jiu-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing or other disciplines, Lone Star MMA Gymnasium/Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is located on 3508 Westway Street, just off of Hwy. 155 toward Palestine. The Lone Star MMA website is lonestarmmagym.com, or you can call Drew Arthur at 903-530-5836.

Source: Tylerpaper.com

12/6/08

Kid Peligro Jiu-Jitsu News . . . New Red & Black Belts at Gracie Rio
Submitted by:Kid Peligro / Sr Editor
Posted on : 12/6/2008

Congratulations to Masters Rolker Gracie, Rodrigo Vieira, Manuel Teixeira and Jose Moraes. The four were promoted to the rank of Red and Black Belts by Grandmaster Helio Gracie and Master Relson Gracie during the cerimony held at the Gracie Ilha located Iate Clube Jardim Guanabara on the night of December 4th.

In attendance were many of the Gracie RJ Black Belts and other celebrities like Master Robson Gracie.

Source: ADCC News

12/5/08

Relson Gracie Kauai Team Captures 2nd Place in the
Longman Jiu-Jitsu's "KAUAI CHALLENGE 2008" MATCH WINNERS
on November 22, 2008

KTI Head Instructor Pono Panaganan (Brown belt) lead Team Relson Gracie and a few of the other team members that flew to Kauai to take 2nd place with a relatively small team. Pono also submitted Felipe via arm bar in a super fight. And O2 Martial Arts Academy's Kyle Snyder-Olivares (Brown Belt) submitted Luke Hacker (Longman) via rear naked choke in another superfight.

Colored Belts1st Place: John Hommel (Gracie Kaneohe)

Teen's (120-135) White Belt
1st Place: Kevin Bernardo (KTI)
2nd Place: Micheal Beltron (KTI)

Mens: (Up to 159.9lbs)
2nd Place: Mark Kennett (KTI)

Mens: ( 147.9 lbs) Intermediate Lightweight
2nd Place: Paul Kuwamura (KTI)

Mens: ( 175 - 188.9lbs) No Gi Intermediate
1st Place: Graham Kovarik (KTI)
2nd Place: Randall Silva (KTI)

Mens: ( 160-174.9 lbs) No Gi Intermediate
1st Place: Shane Kahananui (KTI)
3rd Place: Seigi Yotsuda (KTI)

Master's White Light Middle (148-159.9)
1st Place: Sam Fernandez (KTI)
2nd Place: Larry Harper( KTI)

Men's: (160-174.9) No Gi Beginner
1st Place: Mason Moriguci (KTI)

Men's: (189-201.9) Heavy Super Heavy No Gi Beginner
2nd Place: Aaron Lee (KTI)

Men's: (202 plus) No Gi Intermediate
2nd Place: Steve Alvarez (KTI)

Men's ( 175-188.9) No Gi Beginner
2nd Place: David Campbell (KTI)
3rd Place: Jeremy Haupt (KTI)

Men's (202 plus) Super Plus Blue
2nd Place: Wayne Midro ( Relson Gracie Main)
3rd Place: Steve Alvarez (KTI)

Men's (174.9 and under) Middleweight Blue
3rd Place: Jay Jensen (KTI)

Men's (175-188.9) Middle Heavy Blue
1st Place: Randal Silva (KTI)
2nd Place: Graham Kovaric(KTI)

Men's (159.9 and Under) White
3rd Place: Mark Kennett (KTI)

Women's Blue Belt
3rd Place: Lauren Bolton (KTI)

Men's ( 188.9 and under ) White
3rd Place: Jeremy Haupt (KTI)

Men's ( 189-201.9 ) Heavy Super Heavy Blue
1st Place: Koji Ueunten (Relson Gracie Main)

Source: Shauna Castle

11/18/08

Relson Gracie Hawaii Team Captures 1st Place in the
Aloha State BJJ Championships
and Kauai Association Head Instructor Pono Pananganan wins the Hawaii Triple Crown Advanced Championship Belt

The Aloha State BJJ Championships Results!
Klum Gym, University at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
November 15, 2008

Team Title:

1st Place: Relson Gracie
88

2nd Place: Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu/BJ Penn Academy/Nova Uniao
68

3rd Place: Central Oahu Jiu-Jitsu/Gracie Kailua
47

Grappling Unlimited
53

96712 jujitsu
13

Clam Gracie Barra
12

Kauai Technical Institute
12

808 Fight Factory/ Grace Barra
6

Gracie Barra Honolulu
6

Gracie Technics
6

ICON
6

Moeller Jiu-Jitsu
6

mad tiger jiu-jitsu
5

Other School
5

MMAD
3

No Remorse Fight Team
3

Backyard
2

Carlson Gracie Maui
2

Kendall Goo Jiu-Jitsu
2

independent
1

M.G.A
1

Triple Crown Belt Winners

White Belt - DeJuan Hathaway - Grappling Unlimited
Blue Belt - Sean Matsuo - Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
Purple and Brown Belt - Pono Pananganan - Kauai Technical Institute/Relson Gracie
Novice - Miguel Canals - Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
Intermediate - Joshua Martinez - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Advanced - J R Kawamoto - B J Pen Academy

11/17/08

Relson Gracie Ohio Team Wins Ohio Grappling Championships 7!

Our associations from Ohio won the Ohio Grappling Championships 7 gi and no-gi team titles on November 8th. Tom Fesiter won the brown belt superfight against MMA fighter John Meyer from team Jorge Gurgel by armlock.

Source: Robin Geisler (Relson Gracie Columbus, Ohio)

11/11/08

A truck load of medals for RG Daytona
Team excelled at the Grapplers Quest Southeast Championships

The Gracie Daytona team, headed by black belt Daniel Moraes and instructor John Michael Quesinberry, did great at the Grapplers Quest Southeast Championships, last November 8th, in Kissimme, Fl.

They took only eight athletes to the event and went back home with no less than 15 medals. The Monk brothers, Nate and Matt, contributed with seven of them. Jon Michael said in one phrase the meaning of the achievement: “Relson is very proud of his Gracie Daytona Team”. For more info go to graciedaytona.com.

Source: Gracie Magazine

11/6/08

WEC: Faber vs. Brown Review

Jake Rosholt seemed to have bitten off more than he could chew against Nissen Osterneck, but the Xtreme Couture golden boy hung tight and scored a TKO at 3:48 of the second round.

Osterneck immediately started the bout with a flurry of punches that sent Rosholt into retreat. Once Rosholt scored a takedown, though, he scored points by improving his position and landing strikes from the top. Osterneck took shots, but kept active on the bottom and managed to avoid heavy damage.

The second round was more of the same. On the feet, Osterneck punished Rosholt with undefended punches, but Rosholt eventually secured the takedown and went to work. Midway through the round, Osterneck got back to his feet and unloaded on Rosholt with punches and kicks. After a missed spinning back fist, Osterneck found himself once again taken down by Rosholt, but this time he was mounted. From the top, Rosholt pounded away until the referee halted the bout.
By: Moses Utomi

Source: MMA Fighting

10/28/08

Interview with Nissen Osterneck of Relson Gracie JJ
by ITG Staff

Under thdebut in the mainstream next edition of WEC, scheduled for November 5th in Seminole Hard Rock Hotele tutelage of Relson Gracie, Nissen Osterneck is going to take the biggest step in his career thus far. With 5-0-0 in MMA he's going to & Casino, FL.

Osterneck readily took this opportunity in WEC against Jake Rosholt and told us "They will be very impressed with my game!"

InTheGuard: If you had not been invited to this WEC, do you think you still would have fought this year?
Nissen Osterneck: Yes, I had a fight scheduled for October 11th for the Carolina Crown in Raleigh, NC. I was forced to pull out when the WEC called with this great opportunity.

ITG: What kind of injury did you've? Can you explain what really happen?
NS: I tore a tendon in my shoulder for the second time, training for my fight at WEC 33

ITG: How long did it take for you to get back to one hundred percent?
NS: I feel great now. The DR said after six months I would be cleared to fight. I took 6 weeks off training and went back at it determined to get back to work.

ITG: This is the biggest step in your career and you're 5-0 in MMA. What would you tell to the viewers that will have the chance of seeing you for the first time?
NS: Like you said bro: "they will be very impressed with my game!"

ITG: Now it is true that WEC's middleweight and light heavyweight fighters will go to UFC, so are we going to see you in the octagon next year?
NS: Yes it is true. It appears that is where I will be headed after this fight.

ITG: Your opponent Jake Rosholt, what do you know about him?
NS: Great wrestler turned MMA fighter that is driven to be the best as am I, which should make for a great fight.

ITG: Are you accostumed to studying your opponents?
NS: I look at tape on my opponents to get an idea of what their tendencies are in a fight.

ITG: How's the training for the fight going? The schedule, the coaches....
NS: My training is on schedule here in Myrtle Beach SC. I train from 8am to 8pm running, yoga, then pad work and sparring. Evenings I teach and train Muay Thai and Jiu- Jitsu at our school The Dojo Martial arts Center. My problem is usually over training. Maurice Travis has sharpened my striking skills and I have a strong team to spar with.

ITG: You're one of the top Relson Gracie's students along with Phil Cardella, can you name other top students on the team?
NS: Daniel Moraes and Rhalan Gracie. We have a lot of up and coming fighters that will be on the MMA scene soon.

ITG: Thanks for your time Nissen.
NS: Aloha.

Source: InTheGuard.tv

10/28/08

The Relson Gracie Hawaii Team Dominates
the NAGA Hawaii Grappling Championships!

2008 NAGA Hawaii Grappling Championship Results

Overall Adult Team Champion: Relson Gracie

NO-GI TEAM WINNERS - 1st Place Relson Gracie 2710

GI TEAM WINNERS - 1st Place Relson Gracie 1950

KIDS & TEENS TEAM WINNERS - 1st Place Relson Gracie

Full Results at www.nagafighter.com.

6/12/08

Gracie Humaitá em festa
Com presença de Helio Gracie,
Relson passa faixa vermelha e preta a quatro professores

Gabriel Menezes

A quinta-feira no Pavilhão Japonês do Iate Clube Jardim Guanabara, na Ilha do Governador foi um dia especial para quatro nomes do Jiu-Jitsu homenageados na cerimônia de passagem de faixa promovida pela Gracie Humaitá: Rolker Gracie, Rodrigo Vieira, Manuel Tavares e José Moraes. O caráter solene da comemoração ganhou mais peso ainda com a presença de um dos mais respeitados e importantes nomes do Jiu-Jitsu: Hélio Gracie, que juntamente com seu filho Relson Gracie passou a faixa vermelha e preta para os quatro homenageados. Robson Gracie também esteve presente.

Alunos de diversas graduações permaneceram sentados e prestando profunda atenção às palavras proferidas pelos homenageados. À frente de todos, com kimono alvo e a faixa-coral, Helio Gracie também prestava atenção. O comodoro do Iate Clube Jardim Guanabara, José Moraes, um dos homenageados, falou da importância do Jiu-Jitsu na formação de caráter do ser humano e de seus 38 anos de prática na modalidade. Relson, que veio dos Estados Unidos em função da homenagem, também enalteceu o papel do Jiu-Jitsu na sociedade e prestou uma bela homenagem a seu pai, dizendo que tudo que era ele devia ao Jiu-Jitsu. Robson Gracie encerrou a cerimônia com um discurso às 21h.

Relson passa a faixa vermelha e preta ao irmão Rolker Gracie

Logo após o encerramento, todos levantaram como “mísseis-teleguiados” em direção a um sorridente Helio Gracie, que atendeu a todos pacientemente. De forma que o assédio era tamanho até para imprensa ficou difícil uma aproximação. Nada que pudesse impediro o GRACIEMAG.com.

Relson Gracie: “Todos eles estão qualificados”

“Em 1976 começamos com a Gracie Ilha, aqui, o José Moraes me trouxe lá da Rio Branco e abrimos uma filial. Os alunos começaram a se qualificar nos campeonatos, ganhar medalhas e a academia cresceu. Os quatro professores que foram promovidos hoje já estavam no tempo. Depois de mais de 20 anos dando aula, todos eles estão qualificados”, disse Relson.

Rolker Gracie: “Devo não só a meu pai, mas a todos meus irmãos mais velhos”

“No meu caso, tenho 25 anos de professor. Peguei a preta com 19, e hoje estou com 44. Pra mim é a maior honra do mundo. Ganhei essa faixa do meu pai Helio e do meu irmão Relson. Estou aqui nesse evento emocionado junto com o professor Manuel, Rodrigo e junto com o comodoro José Moraes. Eu devo não só ao meu pai – comecei a fazer Jiu-Jitsu com sete anos de idade – mas a todos os meus irmãos mais velhos, o Rorion, o Relson, ao Rickson... Carlson (Gracie) foi meu professor também, meu primo Rolles foi meu professor. E aos meus irmãos mais novos, o Royler, o Royce, o Robin, que mora na Espanha e é meu braço-direito, meu ajudante, a todos eles. Meus primos todos sempre algum deu uma opinião importante Crolin, Carlinhos, Reyson, todo mundo se ajuda na família”, disse Rolker.

Manuel Tavares, 33 anos de faixa-preta, posa ao lado de Rolker

Manuel Tavares: “A força do lutador está no respeito ao próximo”

“Me sinto muito honrado porque comecei aos cinco anos de idade, pois meu pai fazia Jiu-Jitsu com professor Helio e o professor Carlos. Continuei até esse momento. Hoje tenho 54 anos, tanto que peguei a preta com 21 anos e estou com 33 anos de faixa-preta. Sempre com o professor Relson Gracie. Sempre seguimos o Jiu-Jitsu da família Gracie. Eu, Rodrigo Vieira que dá aula aqui comigo, e Rolker Gracie, aprendemos o Jiu-Jitsu que o professor Helio Gracie ensinou para seus filhos Rorion, o mais velho, a Relson e ao Rickson. O Relson foi meu professor desde a faixa-branca. Então, todo o Jiu-Jitsu que o professor Helio e o Relson passaram pra mim, eu passo para meus alunos hoje. Tenho vários faixas-pretas que estão fora do país dando aula. Além disso passo também para as minhas crianças, desde os cinco anos. Porque aqui temos aulas para crianças de cinco até super sênior. Muito melhor que você fazer um campeão, é você fazer um campeão pra vida. Em vez de botar medalha nos meus alunos, prefiro fazer um campeão pra vida. Para eles aprenderem o respeito, pois a força do lutador está no respeito ao próximo”, finalizou Manuel Tavares.

Source: Gracie Magazine

6/8/08

Relson Seminar and good results
RG Ohio has a new black belt

GMA member school Relson Gracie Ohio, in Columbus, has a new black belt among them. On July 24th, Relson Gracie himself dropped by for a seminar to over 50 people. In the end of the class, long time student David Wilson received the black belt and the congratulations of everyone.

Mark Stefanac, GMA member and owner of Relson Gracie Cleveland, was also awarded. He received the second stripe on his purple belt. Wilson is the forth RG black belt in Columbus, along with Robin Gieseler, Jeffrey Hudson and Vince Panzano. To prove the development of the team, RG Columbus competed last weekend in the Ohio Grappling Challenge and took 1st in the Gi division and 2nd in the No-Gi. For more info, go to gracieohio.com.

Source: Gracie Magazine

3/3/06

Hammer House x Gracie soon

“Cold will be a tough enemy for the Brazilians???, says Relson

After his bombastic win over Mauricio Rua, Mark Coleman is ready again to face a 5 fighters challenge against Team Gracie in Hammer House’s home base, Ohio. Coleman will captain his team in five bouts against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes such as Daniel Gracie and Fabio Leopoldo, Ryan Gracie’s student.

“The cold here in Ohio will certainly be a tough enemy for the Brazilians. Now it is time to get ready, specially because my son will debut in a few hours???, said Relson, thrilled about 18-years old Rhalan first MMA fight.

The event will be broadcast on iNDEMAND Pay-Per-View. Check out the card:

Gracie Fighting Championships: “Hammer House versus Team Gracie???
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
Friday, March 3rd, 2006

Preliminary match-ups
Pat Horner vs. Phil Cardella
Steve Conkel vs. Brian Peoples

Kickboxing
Carter Williams vs. Gary Turner

Super-fights
Dan Bobish vs. Ben Rothwell
Chris Brennan vs. Vitor Shaolin Ribeiro
Dustin Hazlette vs. Rhalan Gracie

HAMMER HOUSE x TEAM GRACIE

Captains: Mark Coleman and Relson Gracie

Michael French vs. Fredson Paixao
Jon Koopenhaver vs. Michael O’Donnell
Forrest Petz vs. Daniel Moraes
Mike Pyle vs. Gustavo Machado
Matt Lindland vs. Fabio Leopoldo
Wes Sims vs. Daniel Gracie

Source: Gracie Magazine



Kalaheo High School Gymnasium